Trailer Hitch and Hitch Bike Carrier Recommendations for 2013 Lexus RX 450h Hybrid  

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We offer three 2-inch Class III hitches for your 2013 Lexus RX 450h and since all share the same general design and weight capacities I suggest the lowest-cost option, which is the Curt hitch # C13143. This hitch installs without drilling using the included fasteners. A video, the written instructions and a helpful article are linked to help you with your installation. The tools required are listed in the instructions; these include mostly basic hand tools and also a torque wrench like # ALL944001.

With this hitch in place you can select a 2-inch Class III hitch bike rack of 1- to 5-bike capacity. You have many options to choose from, including both hanging style and platform style racks. We even offer specialized racks for trikes and recumbent bikes.

The only thing to keep in mind as you consider your rack options are the hitch clearance of 5-inches. This is how far rearward from the hitch pin hole the car's back bumper cover extends. This simply means that you want to choose a bike rack that offers 6-inches or more clearance to ensure the rack itself and your loaded bikes do not come into contact with the car's bumper cover. The linked article on bike racks will explain this measurement in greater detail.

I linked our main page for 2-inch Class III bike racks. On the page you can simply click on the features you prefer, such as the rack style (hanging or platform), the number of bikes you need to carry, and the type of rack you prefer (such as swing-away racks or tilting racks). You can even choose a rack that includes (or does not include) built-in locks. The linked article on choosing a hitch bike rack may help you consider the best fit for your particular bikes. In general platform racks weigh more and extend further to the rear behind the car than hanging racks; hanging racks generally require you to lift your bikes higher up for loading but they are typically lighter and easier to install and remove from the hitch and they tend to cause fewer issues with ground clearance. If you have a steep driveway entrance a hanging rack might be a better choice.

In a platform style rack the Hollywood Racks Sport Rider SE 4 # HR1400Z offers included locks, folds up when not in use and features sturdy steel construction. It can handle 4 bikes up to 45-lbs each and it offers excellent ground clearance thanks to its 7-inches of rise in the shank.

Please feel free to let me know a bit about the types of bikes, how many you need to transport and your preferences and I will be glad to help you find the best possible match.

expert reply by: Adam R

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